The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Union Government alleging that though a week has already been elapsed after the Phailin and subsequent floods hit the State, neither the Prime Minister nor any senior Central Minister has visited the affected areas and nor any initial financial assistance is granted to restore normalcy in the affected areas expeditiously.
“Soon after the cyclone and floods, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik sought an immediate initial financial assistance of `1,000 crore from the Prime Minister for relief and restoration works. Till date, no assistance is given which exposes the injustice of the Union Government towards Odisha,” said Revenue Minister SN Patro at a Press conference here.
Panchyati Raj Minister Kapararu Das also slammed the Centre for not releasing assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
In a Federal system, it is the duty of the State and Central Governments to stand by the people together and extend help during natural calamities. The State has managed to mitigate the miseries of the people with its own resources and is operating the relief and rescue works successfully, said Das.
“The timely step of the State Government to evacuate the people could save their precious lives. But the damages caused to the electricity, telecommunication system, roads and buildings and forest resources are extensive. As many as 18 districts have been affected by the cyclone and floods where the agriculture sector has faced severe losses. Though the actual estimate of the losses is yet to be ascertained but primarily it could come around `15,000 crore,” said Government Deputy Chief Whip in the Assembly Sanjay Dasburma.
Though the Government has submitted a memorandum to the Centre demanding `4242.41 crore, we demand an immediate sanction of `1,000 crore as advance grants to expedite the relief and restoration operations, said Dasburma.